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29 October 2014
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Somerset Sounds - Artists


Dragonsfly
Dragonsfly are from Cheddar and Butleigh

Dragonsfly

Meet Dragonsfly - they're into stone circles, surfing, motorbikes, Hungarian hurdy-gurdy music, and much more!


Who are Dragonsfly?

Maya Preece on vocals, bagpipes, guitar and recorders; Daygan Robinson on mandolin, bouzouki and vocals; Tom Simenauer on tabla, percussion and vocals; Duncan Moss on hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, saxophones, flute and rauschpfeife; Iccy Slade on electric bass, and Thrisha Haldar on tabla.

Where in Somerset are you from?

Cheddar, Butleigh and the surrounding areas.

When did you form?

Dragonsfly
Dragonsfly's music crosses world traditions

In 1997

How did you get together?

We started jamming at festivals and realised we loved the same types of music. There was a real creative spark between us all.

How would you describe your music?

- A musical landscape across world traditions.
- Celtic and Eastern flavours.
- Groove-driven, passionate and entrancing.

We also play for ceilidhs (French and Breton).

How did the band gets its name?

The Dragon symbolises the land and its powerful energy, as well as our connection to it. We gave our dragon wings to symbolise our music being carried over this land and beyond.

Who are your musical influences?

We listen to music from all over the world like Bulgarian choirs, Hungarian hurdy-gurdy music, Bokros Zenekar, Hedningarna, and La Chavenee. We also like bands such as Malicorne, Steeley Span, Pentangle, Nick Drake, Blowzabella, Labi Siffre, Ravi Shankar, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Jamiroquai, Velvet Underground, and Jimi Hendrix.

What is your most memorable gig so far?

Dragonsfly
Dragonsfly would like to play on Jools Holland

There are many great gigs we remember, but the best one we think was probably St. Chartier instrument makers festival in France.

Where would you most like to play?

Our hurdy-gurdy player has played on Jools Holland with Page and Plant, but we would really like to get the whole of the band on the programme. And, of course, Glastonbury Festival acoustic stage - we have applied!

Finally, tell us some interesting facts about yourself.

Maya and Daygan are both interested in stone circles and ancient sites, and regularly visit them whilst on surfing holidays. Maya also has a Master Craftsmanship in hand silver engraving.

Daygan's great grandad owned Aintree Racecourse, and there is still a road named after him - Bakers Lane.

Iccy has built his own motorbike. Three of the band members are into motorbikes.

Tom is from New Zealand where he used to be a heavy metal drummer.

Duncan is a virtuoso on any instrument he picks up.

Dragonsfly played live on the Saturday Breakfast Show on 91Èȱ¬ Somerset Sound with Adam Thomas in July 2005. You can listen to the interview, plus two live tracks from the band, by clicking on this link:

audioÌý >
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You can also see photos of Dragonsfly on the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury 2005, and listen to an interview with the band, by clicking on this link:

last updated: 07/12/05
Have Your Say
Have you heard Dragonsfly? What do YOU think?
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Daygan from dragonsfly
Thank you to all the people that voted for us at Battle of the bands in Somerset, we were surprised to find ourselves the winners, Because it was mainly heavy metal. We have started recording our third album it should be out in early 2007.

Daygan from dragonsfly
Thank you to all the people that voted for us at Battle of the bands in Somerset, we were surprised to find ourselves the winners, Because it was mainly heavy metal. We have lots of new stories and photos on our web site www. dragonsfly.org checkout dragonsfly news. We have started recording our third album it should be out in early 2007. Watch this space for more updates.

Cheesy Gareth
I first met Maya, she was playing ukelele atop of Glastonbury tor, knocking out Irish reels, I found out she was in the folk band, Heathens all, about a month later I ran in to Dagon playing the same tunes on his mandolin equally well! a year or so past and I met them together by then a couple, and slowly Dragonsfly evolved in front of my eyes, Next Time I saw them they were wowing a huge Marquee full of people at the Big Green Gathering. Dragonsfly are lovely people, they are friends and brilliant musicians, dont miss them

raleigh muir
heard your interviews and live stuff on the radio.u sound great.ithink its about time colchester was converted.plse pass message on.well done

Paul Jay
Seen them at the last two Priddy festivals - after the first time (2004) this year I was a man possessed to get in for their gig! Wonderful music and Maya is just so hot!!

paul & shaz
come to PARTY IN THE PADDOCK AUGUST 20TH SOMERSET TO CATCH "DRAGONSFLY" We are so lucky to have them playing at our event !!!

lee naqish
heard em at glasto .come from cheddar myself never heard em before sound awsome. have they got a record deal yet.definatly the next big thing.would love to meet them and ask them what inspires their music.

michael
The best act at this years Priddy Folk festival and the singer is beautifull

Purple paul ,Portland USA
Dragonsfly are one of the most exciting things to happen to glastonbury and it gives me much joy to think of them and the music that they share ,all power and much love to them

Peg, a fan from the USA
I love this band! I have yet to catch them live but love their albums. Best of luck, Dragonsfly, in your quest to reach biger audiences and explore the edges of musical possibility and tradition...

Daygan from Dragonsfly
Well we won't be playing on the jazz world stage. Had a fantastic gig at the finals, most people were very surprised we didn't win. We've been having some fantastic recognition since. The good news is we are definitely playing the Avalon stage and the Croissant Neuf stage. We are very happy. See you there.

Maya from Dragonsfly
We're through to finals for the Glastonbury festival competition for the Jazz World Stage! Hurray! It's already been confirmed that we will be playing on the Croissant Neuf stage aswell, so look out for us...

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